We believe in the indispensable value of good literature in the lives of children. Our mission is to foster the professional development of the creators of children’s literature, promote connections between children’s authors and other members of the literary community, and nurture an environment in which children’s literature can be appreciated by the widest possible audience.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Fly On the Wall

Highlights
from the Richmond Children's Writers August Meeting

The
first manuscript we critiqued this month was a resubmission after significant
rewrites. We all noted how much stronger the story was now. This time around,
the comments were much different. They had to do with very minor things like
formatting issues, tightening a little here and a little there, and whether
there might be a better choice for the main character's name. When a manuscript
is close to being ready to submit, the type of feedback from readers will begin
to change. The suggestions become very nit-picky, very micro. This can be
frustrating, but it is a good sign. It means the big story elements are strong
and there is nothing left to suggest but very minor changes.

The
next manuscript is an excerpt from a young-adult novel that is set in a fantasy
version of the Middle Ages. Many of us felt that the emotions and the tension
in this section of the novel were well written and very compelling. One comment
was that the story needed to be more grounded in the setting. That is, the
vocabulary, the clothing, and the details should anchor the story soundly in
its setting. This requires extra thought and research, but in a story like this
one, it is absolutely necessary.

Next
topic: Underwear. Some members of our group think this is a super fun topic for
a picture book. Others are not so sure. It's a matter of personal taste. The
world is made up of all kinds of people, including some who will enjoy a brief
story about undies, and some who would rather read a story about frogs.

The mixed reaction from the group can be a learning point in itself. It doesn't mean the manuscript is not marketable, but you might have to work a little harder to find the right editor or agent to send it to. Moral of the story: It's important to find just the right fit for underpants.

The
next submission is not really a critique, but a discussion. One of our members
has a great idea for a nonfiction children's book, but she is looking for a way
to present it in a kid-friendly way. She brought some examples of how this
topic has been treated in other books for kids. She floated a few ideas and we
discussed the possibilities. This is an area in which she is very knowledgeable
and passionate. We all agreed that if she can find a way to capture that
passion, young readers will respond to that.

Lastly,
we discussed another excerpt from a novel. Parts of the scene were very visual,
and we liked that. However, there was one thing in particular, a certain
reaction by the protagonist, that seemed out of character. Given his background
and his family situation, would he really react that way? These kinds of
inconsistencies are hard for the writer to see, but once pointed out,
they become glaringly obvious. That's why we need writing buddies!

For
your writing pleasure, we offer a fun little writing prompt made up of elements
taken from our manuscripts this month:

Write
a scene in which a character in a historical setting makes a choice of underwear
that is inconsistent with what he or she would normally choose. What motivates
that choice?

A Little Something About Us

Our backgrounds and interests vary greatly, but we all love writing for children.

Steven K. Smith

Steven K. Smith is the author of The Virginia Mysteries series, middle grade adventures with a twist of history. His booksinclude Summer of the Woods, Mystery on Church Hill, Ghosts of Belle Isle, and the standalone short story, Pitch Black Dark. Steven grew up in rural northwestern New Jersey, but has quickly come to love Richmond and its deep history since moving here in 2011. He lives with his wife and three youngsons and works in e-healthcare during his non-writing hours. You can learn more about Steven and his books at his website, VirginiaMysteries.com.

Stephanie McPherson

Stephanie wrote her first children's story in college. She enjoyed the process so much that she's never stopped writing. A former teacher and freelance newspaper writer, she has written nearly 30 books and numerous magazine stories. She especially enjoys writing about science and the human interest stories behind major discoveries. Her most recent book, all about the Titanic, came out in November 2011.

Brian Rock

Brian has been writing stories and poems since he was old enough to hold a #2 pencil. Although he was once kicked out of his fourth grade class for writing too many stories, he went on to earn a master’s degree in Children’s Writing from Hollins University. His short stories appeared regularly in the regional magazine, Kid’s World. His poems have appeared in Highlights and Poetry Train. He has three published picture books, Don't Play With Your Food!,Piggies,With All My Heart, with his third title, The Deductive Detective due out this month, March 2013. Click over to Brian's website to find out more.

Hazel Buys

Hazel grew up living the gypsy life, circling the globe as her family accompanied her father on his military assignments to Asia, Europe and the United States. During this time she absorbed the stories and fables from many different cultures. Her love of literature is rooted deeply in these early travels.

?xml:namespace>

Hazel began writing in her early teens. She writes middle grade and young adult novels as well as picture books, which she also illustrates. Hazel regularly publishes reviews of children’s books with Children’s Literature. Her picture book, Olaf's Door, was published by the multi-media publisher, zuuka, Inc. You can see Hazel's art work at her website.

Deb Dudley

After enjoying over 14 years as a successful marketing specialist in the hospitality industry, Deb Dudley decided to embark on a new career in the world of Kid-Lit. Armed with a passion forwriting, a love for literature and bundle of book ideas, she is eager to shape one of her polished manuscripts into the next best picture book for young children. For more about Deb's journey from storyboard ads to storybook smile-maker, visit her website.

Dan Elasky

Dan has been writing since he was seven. Back then, it was mostly adventure stories with dinosaurs. Some of it still is, but without the dinosaurs. Mainly, he specializes in picture books and teen novels. Dan is fortunate to have as his critique partners the members of Richmond Children’s Writers, a perceptive, illuminating, and supportive group. He looks forward to reading to children at schools, libraries, and hospitals with the help of his puppet, Irene. Dan is now writing a middle grade novel whose narrator speaks in a voice that, he says, “is unlike any other in English literature.”

Troy Howell

Troy Howell is the author of the American Booksellers Association's “New Voices” pick, The Dragon of Cripple Creek (Abrams, 2011), and is working on his second middle grade novel, Hans Andersen’s Ghost. He has also illustrated many notable children’s books and book jackets, among which is the Brian Jacques Redwall series.Learn more about Troy at his website.

Lana Krumwiede

In third grade, Lana wrote in her autobiography that she wanted to be a mother, a writer, and the church organist. While the church organist thing didn't turn out so well, the other two dreams made up for it! Her dystopian science fiction series for middle-grade readers, The Psi Chronicles (Candlewick Press) includes FREAKLING and ARCHON (coming Oct 2013). Lana's short stories and poems have appeared in Highlights,High Five, Spider, Babybug, The Friend, and Chicken Soup for the Child's Soul.Learn more about Lana and her books at her website.

Marianne McKee

Marianne enjoys the picture book format for both fiction and non-fiction. After studying with the Institute for Children's Writers, she has written stories about animals and is now beginning to use her background in history, archives and maps to write non-fiction. Work in film and wet darkroom photography, seven trips to the Scottish Hebrides and two semesters of geology have also expanded her horizons.Marianne can be reached at mariannemckee@aol.com.